Whatever happened to the America of the People , by the People, and for the People? Was it too long ago to matter anymore? I don’t think so. That was the basis for the birth of our great country. But these days do people without money have any say at all? And if they do say anything does anyone listen? What is the old saying? Money Talks.

It is the corporations that do the talking these days. Why have we allowed it to happen? Why should it be the corporations instead of the American people making decisions and calling the shots? Is it because Americans of today do not have the spirit of independence we had years ago, or are too easily influenced by absolute nonsense, and too accepting of what large corporations are spouting these days? Or is it that corporations have amassed so much power that common people need to organize differently to stand up for our rights?

Corporations are overwhelming humanity with control of media and the political scene. But why are we allowing it to happen? We seem to be total idiots at times, like when the word went out that health care was too expensive for all of us to have. We are the only industrialized country in the world without health care for all of our people. Isn’t that shameful? And then the ridiculous statements that so many corporations put out. Remember the one about “death squads” for Medicare patients?

There is always enough money for anything the politicians want – bailouts of big bank corporations for example, whether warranted or not. But if something is pertinent for the people, then it is always too expensive and deemed absolutely unnecessary.

And when the talk goes to money, what about the huge tax breaks for the wealthiest in the country? What about the reticence to help us working individuals who keep working and working, just to survive? What about the money that is given out to help banks and huge corporate CEOs pay their bills and pay themselves huge salaries with full health care and huge pensions?

Isn’t it about time we caring Americans opened our mouths and made ourselves heard? Isn’t it time we organize to get these corporate interests off our backs?

This is Freda Aron, thank you for listening.

Opinions expressed in KCAW commentaries are those of the author, and are not necessarily shared by KCAW’s board, staff, or volunteers.

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